Unique Offerings at Whistler Farmers’ Market
The jewel in the crown of a Whistler summer is a trip to the farmers’ market. Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Whistler Farmers’ Market runs Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until October 8, and Wednesdays from 2 –7 p.m. throughout July and August. Highly anticipated by both locals and visitors, the market has become a staple of summer social life in Whistler.
The market is one of the largest in the province, boasting well over ninety vendors at the height of the season. Since its humble beginnings with one farm and a handful of crafters in 1994, the market’s growth has been carefully managed to showcase the deeply talented craftspeople and artisans of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. “We receive more than 150 applicants a season,” says market manager Chris Quinlan, “and the jury process is designed to select a balance of unique made, baked and grown offerings.”
Expect to see stalls with fresh produce and flowers standing side by side with vendors selling handcrafted spirits, up-cycled designer clothing, original paintings, carvings and pottery, hand-forged jewellery and regional wines. “With so much to experience in one place,” says Quinlan, “most people plan to come for an hour and end up staying for the day.”
Quinlan’s best advice to market goers is to come hungry. Whatever you’re craving, you will find it among the fourteen different prepared food carts and trucks representing more than ten different regional cuisines. Passersby line up alongside regulars for freshly prepared offerings such as bibimbap, pad thai, wood-fired pizza, samosas, crepes, perogies, Australian meat pies, empanadas and more.
Kids of all ages will enjoy shaved ice with natural fruit syrups and kettle corn freshly prepared on site, while handmade chocolates, artisan pastries and gelato will appeal to the dessert lovers in any group. Whether you come to stock up on local organic fruits and vegetables, discover a new ingredient, or rediscover an old one prepared in a new way, you will leave the market inspired by the passion and knowledge of its diverse proprietors.
Mountain life comes with many choices, but the farmers’ market is an activity everyone can agree on. Wherever your Whistler adventure takes you, set aside some time to experience the unique cultural and culinary offerings of the Whistler Farmers’ Market this summer.